Notable Features of the 2012 GMC Yukon

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2012 GMC Yukon Overview

By Cars.com Editors

Vehicle Overview

The 2012 GMC Yukon is the middle child among GM's full-size SUVs. Based on price and equipment, the Yukon sits squarely between the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade. Four-wheel drive is available on the Yukon, as are seating configurations for up to nine occupants. Competitors include the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia.

The Yukon XL is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.

New for 2012The Yukon SLT now comes standard with heated leather front seats; a heated steering wheel is optional. A blind spot warning system now comes on Denali models. A new navigation radio with a USB port and the ability to record broadcasts is optional.

ExteriorThe Yukon has a one-piece grille and taller headlights than its sister Tahoe, with jewel-like bezels and a wider, lower air dam. The rest of the body features blocky fenders, long rear-quarter windows and a squared-off back end. The Yukon is also available in a higher-end Denali trim level. Denali models come with 20-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim and a power-operated liftgate. Exterior features include:

Integrated running boards

Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels

Standard heated power side mirrors

Optional 20-inch wheels

Chrome honeycomb grille (Denali)

Optional power-operated running boards

InteriorThe Yukon's dashboard has the same shape as its GM siblings. That's good news because the domed instrument panel, carlike dashboard and flush-mounted buttons make for a handsome design.

This ... Show full review

Vehicle Overview

The 2012 GMC Yukon is the middle child among GM's full-size SUVs. Based on price and equipment, the Yukon sits squarely between the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade. Four-wheel drive is available on the Yukon, as are seating configurations for up to nine occupants. Competitors include the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia.

The Yukon XL is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.

New for 2012The Yukon SLT now comes standard with heated leather front seats; a heated steering wheel is optional. A blind spot warning system now comes on Denali models. A new navigation radio with a USB port and the ability to record broadcasts is optional.

ExteriorThe Yukon has a one-piece grille and taller headlights than its sister Tahoe, with jewel-like bezels and a wider, lower air dam. The rest of the body features blocky fenders, long rear-quarter windows and a squared-off back end. The Yukon is also available in a higher-end Denali trim level. Denali models come with 20-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim and a power-operated liftgate. Exterior features include:

Integrated running boards

Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels

Standard heated power side mirrors

Optional 20-inch wheels

Chrome honeycomb grille (Denali)

Optional power-operated running boards

InteriorThe Yukon's dashboard has the same shape as its GM siblings. That's good news because the domed instrument panel, carlike dashboard and flush-mounted buttons make for a handsome design.

This SUV can seat up to nine occupants when benches are placed in all three rows. Some models replace first- and second-row benches with captain's chairs, lowering total seating capacity to seven. The third row is removable, but it doesn't fold flat to the floor as some competitors' seats do. Third-row seating is standard on all models. Interior features include:

Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls

Standard Bose stereo

Available sunroof

Available cloth or leather-appointed seats

Available integrated backup camera in rearview mirror

Available heated/cooled front seats

Under the HoodThe Yukon is available with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The Yukon Denali can have an all-wheel-drive system that's distinct from the available part-time four-wheel drive on the regular Yukon. When properly equipped, the Yukon can tow up to 8,500 pounds. Mechanical features include:

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

The most reliable vehicle I have owned! A great SU

by Yukon Denali for life from Little Rock, Ar on July 10, 2018

This SUV met all bnbof my needs! Plenty of cup holders, TVs, heated steering wheel, automatic step side, a great ride, and will be a great vehicle for someone in need of a high quality suv. Read full review

(4.0)

Will last a long time

by dnellie from Edmond Oklahoma on April 15, 2018

I have 126000 miles on my 2012 and have followed the maintenance recommendations as GMC requires and it is still motoring a long---except for a couple of items--stabilink/traction control sensor and ... Read full review

Safety & Recalls

NHTSA rates vehicles using a star rating system from 1-5 stars, with 5 being the highest.

Overall

4 Star

Overall Front

5 Star

Overall Side

5 Star

Overall Rollover Rating

3 Star

Driver's

5 Star

Passenger's

4 Star

Front Seat

5 Star

Rear Seat

5 Star

Side Barrier

5 Star

Side Barrier Rating Driver

5 Star

Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat

5 Star

Side Pole

5 Star

Side Pole Barrier combined (Front)

5 Star

Side Pole Barrier combined (Rear)

5 Star

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. NHTSA provides vehicle safety information such as front- and side-crash ratings and rollover ratings. Vehicles are rated using a star rating system from 1-5 stars, with 5 being the highest.

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Yukon received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*

* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.